Work from home seen as new normal by employees

Employees expect to have the option to work from home even after the COVID-19 pandemic ends. This is according to a study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Lenovo.

Eighty-seven percent said they feel at least somewhat ready to make the shift to working from home (WFH) if required. Moreover, 77 percent expect companies to be more accepting of WFH policies after the pandemic passes.

Investing in technology

“Our survey suggests that the employee experience was already changing before the pandemic hit,” Lenovo Philippines President and General Manager Michael Ngan said in a press statement.

Smart technologies now enable employees to work from anywhere. The Lenovo study “Workplace Transformation” looked at employee attitudes toward WFH in China, Japan, Germany, Italy, and the US. Forrester Consulting conducted the research from March 6-12, 2020.

“In the past 15 years, the number of those regularly working from home has grown 159 percent in the US. The same increase is happening in other markets. While our current situation is extraordinary, we are seeing a real willingness from workers to adapt and adopt flexible work arrangements. This confirms that corporate technology investments are paying off. Most people now feel productive at home,” Ngan said.

In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Telecommuting Act or Republic Act No. 11165 on December 20, 2018. This allows employees to conduct work at home or remotely outside the workplace. Proponents of remote work have touted it as a solution to Metro Manila’s traffic woes.

“At a time when all companies need to navigate uncertainty and keep their business running, technology enables them to keep moving forward. Companies need to adjust now and ensure their employees have the video tools, technology, and training required to succeed today and in a future where more remote working may be the norm,” Ngan said.

So, are you ready to work from home?